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April 16, 2009
5 Comments
Local Group Targets Ambitious Goal,
Fundraiser Set for Off-Leash Dog Park
If you build it, many four-legged supporters will come...
and RUN.
Local area dog lovers are betting that others will like the idea of creating a local, enclosed park where man's best friend can freely frolic.
Supporters of this off-leash park need not go it alone because the City of Renton also believes in the concept and has pledged to match donated monies raised.
The supporter side of the effort begins with its first fundraiser, set for Monday,
April 27.
The Plan
Over the years dog lovers have requested Renton's Park Department to provide an off-leash park. Apparently, the number of volunteers stepping up to make it happen was great enough for the City of Renton to explore how they could fill this need.
"If you're a dog owner, you know that we have to travel miles to let our dogs off-leash legally. A dog park is a huge asset to a community and brings people together. Eighty percent of homes have a dog living in them," said Fairwood-area resident and dog owner Jennifer McArthur.
One volunteer leader became involved when she moved to the area and also approached the Renton Parks Department. "I lived in West Seattle and was four blocks from a dog park. It did amazing things for my dog, being able to play with other dogs," said Julianne Becker.
Becker monitored the City of Renton website, when notices seeking public feedback began about a year ago. Becker got on board at that time, along with a group of about 25 dedicated dog-lovers to identify the elements that would best serve an off-leash park.
Several sites were reviewed by the City and the volunteers, and the proposed location was finally identified and approved by the City Council this past February.
At that time, The City of Renton pledged to match up to $50,000 of the needed funds to construct the site. The first requirement before the matching funds will be met, however, is that citizens must first raise an initial amount of $20,000.
What's the schedule for the park project launch? They've set another ambitious goal: Break ground this summer.
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Responses to
"Off-Leash Dog Park"
May 7 - 7:30 pm
Ken Barkus said:This weekend {May 9 & 10} there is a dog show at Carco Park and I think it would be a great place to promote RUFF.
There is also a Newfoundland Club of Seattle "Fun Match" being held also at Carco Park on May 23rd.
Both of these events are "All-Breed" Obedience & Rally events and Specialty {German Shepard & Newfoundland} shows.
I'm not that up on the German Shepard event but we will be there doing Rally with both our St Bernard & Newfy. I do know that the Newfoundland Club helps out with a lot of fund raising stuff so this could be very good for RUFF.
April 28 - 11:46 pm
Jennifer (mom of Cayenne) said: Having a dog park in Renton will add so much to the community. Go Dog GO!
The turnout at the Wags and Wine event was fantastic! It not only helped to raise funds for the dog park but has already bonded this community together. I can't wait to take my 'girl' to the park and visit with the new accquaintences I made at Vino's at The Landing.
And Erin, maybe you'll contribute so there will be less 'traffic' in your yard?!
April 27 - 3:16 pm
Erin Aboudara said: I was not lashing out at all dog owners nor their dogs. My Dad had our Siberian Husky trained as to where she was allowed to "go". I get tired of cleaning up after others is all I am saying. I have to watch where I step on the sidewalks, too. There were two more "doodies" just this weekend on my lawn and in my flower bed. Please, just clean up after your pets is all I am saying. Take them to the dog park when it is completed and give us homeowners a break...
April 25 - 10:15 am
Kevin said: Erin, the dog owners who are volunteering their time to build a dog park are not the types who wouldn't pick up after their dogs, so you're barking up the wrong tree. Sorry about the poop, but getting crabby with *all* dog owners for it is like blaming *all* parents for letting certain kids run loose and make trouble.
April 18, 2009 - 7:31 pm
Erin Aboudara said: Yes, please take your dogs to a dog park and keep them off MY lawn. I was doing yard work today and found more than one little pile! Don't forget to take your baggies with you TO THE DOG PARK!